The statistics come from the UK Energy from Waste Statistics 2025 report, produced by Refynix and continuing a series previously published by Tolvik Consulting, which focused on “facilities in the UK primarily designed for the combustion of Residual Waste”.
A total of 73 EfW plants were either operational or under construction at the end of December 2025, two fewer than the previous year.
For facilities fully operational throughout the year, inputs equated to 83.7% of permitted capacity, down from 88.6% in 2024, reflecting capacity increases not yet matched by feedstock availability.
Electricity generation remained broadly steady, with power exports totalling just over 10,000 GWh, representing around 3.5% of UK electricity generation. However, heat exports fell by 10%.
On emissions, 62 EfWs reported carbon data through their Annual Performance Reports. The capacity-weighted average CO₂ emissions per tonne of residual waste increased to 1.05 tonnes (up from 1.00 in 2024).
Estimated fossil CO₂ emissions rose to 8.18 million tonnes, reflecting both higher waste inputs and a slight increase in carbon intensity.
Looking ahead, Refynix estimates that total EfW capacity for residual waste treatment could reach 22.7 million tonnes per annum by 2030, following a series of project announcements during and after the reporting year.
Reshaping composition of residual waste
According to the report, Simpler Recycling policy is expected to have an impact on EfW performance going forward.
Mandatory household food waste collections in England, introduced in March 2026, are expected to remove lower-calorific material from the residual stream. This could increase the net calorific value (NCV) of remaining waste.
Conversely, the planned introduction of mandatory kerbside collection of plastic film packaging by March 2027 may have the opposite effect. By diverting higher-calorific plastics away from residual waste, NCVs could decline.
However, the report notes uncertainty around recycling market conditions. Ongoing challenges for plastic recyclers could result in more plastic remaining in residual waste streams, partially offsetting the expected impacts of policy reforms.
Inclusion in Emissions Trading Scheme
In July 2025, the UK Government published an interim response to its consultation on expanding the scheme, reaffirming plans to bring EfW facilities into scope.
Ahead of full inclusion, a two-year voluntary monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) period began on 1 January 2026. During this phase, operators are encouraged to track and verify emissions without facing compliance costs or financial penalties.
Further details on scheme design, including cost exposure, are expected in a second government response before full implementation.
Refynix highlighted the importance of consistent emissions reporting methodologies across the sector, particularly in how emissions are attributed to different waste feedstocks.
The report noted that the move towards an integrated monitoring approach – combining Carbon-14 analysis with emissions factors – is a positive step.
However, with many facilities still relying on waste sampling or estimation methods rather than Carbon-14 analysis, full standardisation remains a work in progress as the sector prepares for eventual ETS compliance.
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